Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer maintains that the international debate surrounding embryonic stem cell (ESC) research revolves around two contrasting ideas, secular medical thoughts pushing to further research and bioethical views of morality opposing stem cell experimentation. The writer notes that these extreme positions influence global opinions and raise the following question: Do scientific advancements in medicine outweigh the controversial ethical decisions being made in embryonic stem cell research? The answer to this question may directly or indirectly affect all of our lives and play a key role in the future of biological research and healthcare. The writer argues that those who oppose stem cell research seek to preserve the moral and ethical principles in scientific research, yet their arguments are centered on bold, uniformed, faith-based ideas. The primary argument is that human embryos destined for life are being destroyed. In fact modern stem cell research has developed to ensure preservation of this embryonic tissue with various techniques. The writer maintains that this misconception has negatively influenced the general public's attitude toward ESC research and threatens to deny us the opportunity for longer and healthier lives. This paper includes an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper:

"These bioethical arguments are a strong and necessary foundation for all controversial scientific research. Although they play an important role into regulations this research, these uninformed and inaccurate ideas of embryo destruction have lead to misunderstandings of stem cell research and will hinder the possibilities of future medical breakthroughs. The majority of people world wide are relatively neutral in regard to stem cell research, yet are strongly influenced by these very contrasting sides. Anti-stem cell campaigns attempt to systematically shun embryonic research and manipulate the general public with biased claims of destruction of life. In actuality, modern techniques with ESC research are carefully regulated to preserve any and all life and allow for all stem cell research to be done with no killing of potentially developing human embryos. Without appropriate knowledge, opponents of ESC research will wrongly disallow a tremendous opportunity in therapeutic advances. The common beliefs by the general public and false claims by pro-life activist incorrectly address the idea that stem cell research harms human embryonic tissue with the potential for life."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alikani, Mina. (2007). The debate surrounding human embryonic stem cell research in the U.S.A. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2(15), 7-11. Retrieved March 18, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Cedar, S. H., Cooke, J. A., Luo, Z., Patel, M. J., & Minger, S. L. (2007). From embryos to embryonic stem cells: Biopolitics and therapeutic potential. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 14, 67-73. Retrieved April 06, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Hamdy, R. C. (2006). To condone or to condemn? on the ethics of stem cell research. Southern Medical Journal, 99(12), 1414-1415. Retrieved Match 26, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Holden, Constance. (2004). Stem Cell Alternatives. ScienceScope, 306(57), 23-25. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database.
• Kirk, C. (2000). Research guidelines: NIH issues guidelines for federally funded stem cell. Journal of Law Medicine and Ethics, 28(4), 411-413. Retrieved April 15, 2008, from Web of Science database.

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